British technology group Rolls-Royce has received funding from the British Space Agency to develop a mini nuclear reactor for a lunar base. The project aims to evaluate how nuclear power could be used to support a lunar base for astronauts.
The UK Space Agency plans to provide £2.9 million in funding for the project, The Guardian reports. Engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce is going to develop the prototype of such a microreactor together with various research institutes. man plan to have a reactor ready to be sent to the moon by 2029.
Must provide a continuous power supply
Compared to other power systems, a relatively small and lightweight nuclear microreactor on the moon could provide continuous power regardless of location, available sunlight and other environmental conditions, Rolls-Royce said. However, the intention is that such mini-nuclear power plants will also be used on earth in the future, for example in the defense sector or in industry.
Minireactor is about the size of a car
“The funding will further help us realize the microreactor, with the technology delivering huge benefits to space and Earth. It also gives us the ability to support commercial and military use cases,” says Abi Clayton, director of future programs at Rolls-Royce. At the same time you can do one with it Providing a solution to decarbonise industry and provide clean, safe and reliable energy. “It’s a very small reactor, about the size of a car,” says Clayton (see video above).
“As we prepare for humans to return to the moon after more than 50 years, we support exciting research projects like this modular lunar reactor. Rolls-Royce will continue to source new energy sources for a lunar base (pictured below),” British Research Secretary George Freeman said confidently.
Mini nuclear power plants already announced in November 2021
In November 2021, Rolls-Royce announced that it would develop mini nuclear power plants and thus contribute to climate protection. Investments of £195 million (equivalent to about EUR 228 million) are planned for the programme, known as the SMR (Small Modular Reactor), it said in a statement at the time.
The company estimates the scheme could create around 40,000 new jobs in the UK. The economically dependent north of England in particular should benefit from this.
Source: Krone
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